Amsterdam

Well, I survived my first encounter with Amsterdam. The stories are true, it is certainly a special kind of place. I fell upon all sorts of characters from glossy-eyed bicylcists to drunken old men. The city is quite safe though, I never felt harmed or unsafe at any point. It is a very easy going and relaxed atmosphere with many sights to see.
After the 30minute train ride I headed straight to the Anne Frank House, which was quite remarkable. Anne's story is unbelievable and to stand in the rooms where the Frank family hid for so long, cannot be explained. I felt many emotions and great detest for the people who forced them to live in such fear. At a young age, Anne was quite creative in her words and I am thankful for her diary. I hope that her story lives on for generations to come.
The next stop was a small pub, in central Amsterdam called 'hole in the wall'. It did not live up to its name, which is a good thing, I suppose. It was very nice and they served wonderful sandwiches. After browsing the main shopping streets and walking in and out of souvenir shops, we headed back to the train station. The four of us made one last stop at a small bar for a cappucino.The weather had turned and it was pouring down rain, leaving us freezing and looking for warmth. Two people left to return to Leiden, but myself and another stayed to watch a soccer match at a comfy bar near the central station. By the time the match had ended and we bundled were all up again, the rain had turned to snow and the streets were covered. It was really beautiful. We then headed back to Leiden on a late train, in the snow.